More than 47, 000 indigent students studying in public and private higher institutions in the country have received bursary allowance totalling about N640 million from the Katsina State government.

The bursary payment, which commenced on Monday, saw 14,443 fresh students as well as 33,492 old ones, benefitting from the scheme.

The state also presented awards of excellence to 210 of the students, who scored Cumulative Grade Points Average (GCPA) of 4.50 and above.

Speaking during the event, Governor Dikko Radda, reiterated his administration’s commitment to revamp the sector, especially supporting the students through bursary allowances.

Radda then announced a personal donation of N50,000 to each of the 210 students who received the academic excellence award.

He said the donation was meant to encourage other students to perform better in their academic pursuit.

“It is important to support students, especially at this time, when the economic situation in the country is challenging to both parents and students.”

“Katsina students are highly committed and intelligent. Our government will continue to come out with policies that would encourage indigent children to have the same exposure to education just as the rich” he said.

Executive Secretary of the state Scholarship Board, Dr. Aminu Tsauri, commended the governor for the initiative, and his efforts at revamping the sector.